MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – The Memphis Police Department started its Medicop program in 2011, but this year, they rolled out training for trauma kits. The kits are designed to help bridge the gap from the time an officer responds to a violent call to the time medics respond.
They are equipped with tourniquets, chest seals, and pressurebandages. Officer will use the items to treat stab wounds, gunshot wounds, andsituations where there is massive bleeding.
“In the past, it might have been wait for the paramedics to get there,which sometimes can take an extended amount of time. Now, our officers canactually provide that care on the scene of a call,” said MPD Officer CraigBrown.
Since the trauma kit training began, Officer Brown said at least 10officers have saved lives as a result of using the kits.
“This is huge. Law Enforcement is such a dynamic career and it’schanging so much. To be able to provide these kits for our police officers isjust a huge thing and it’s something that’s an asset for our citizens as well,”said Officer Brown.
The department will track how often the kits are used to betterprovide on-going training for officers.